Who will President Tinubu pick as running mate in 2027? That is one question many political watchers are asking, especially in the North.
As the countdown to 2027 hots up, President Bola Tinubu has 2 options.
One is to continue with Vice President Shettima who is from the Northeast. He is a Northern Muslim. The second option is for him to pick a new running mate who will be a Northern Christian.
City People can authoritatively reveal that President Bola Tinubu is indeed facing pressure to select a Northern Christian as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
This push comes amid speculation that Tinubu might drop Vice President Kashim Shettima, a Muslim from the North.
Already the North-East Coalition of APC Support Groups has endorsed former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, a Christian from Bauchi State, as a potential vice presidential candidate. This move aims to promote a unifying candidate who can bring balance to the ticket.
A Northern group, Arewa Youth Movement, has also urged President Tinubu to consider picking a Christian from the North as his running mate in 2027, highlighting the importance of religious representation.
However, party insiders suggest that choosing a Christian from the North Central zone might not be feasible, as it could negatively impact APC’s electoral prospects in the North West and North East regions.
Timing of Running Mate Selection: The presidency has clarified that President Tinubu will select his running mate only after formally accepting the APC nomination during the party’s Convention in 2026.
The contest for Tinubu’s running mate is closely tied to the larger contest over who will succeed him as president in 2031, with prominent APC figures from the North positioning themselves for the vice presidency
In terms of huge votes which of the choices will give Pres Tinubu more votes.
Given the current political landscape in Nigeria, choosing a running mate who can bring significant votes to President Bola Tinubu’s campaign would likely depend on several factors, including regional, religious, and political considerations.
Here are some potential options that could impact vote dynamics:
Northern Christian Candidate: Selecting a Christian from the North, such as former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara from Bauchi State, could help balance the ticket and attract votes from the region. Dogara has been endorsed by the North-East Coalition of APC Support Groups as a potential vice presidential candidate.
Rabiu Kwankwaso: The former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) could bring significant support from the North West and North East regions.
It’s essential to note that Tinubu’s running mate selection will likely be influenced by various factors, including:
Regional and Religious Balance: Tinubu might choose a running mate who balances his ticket in terms of region and religion, considering the “Muslim-Muslim” ticket controversy in 2023.
Party Dynamics: The APC’s internal dynamics and the need to consolidate support within the party could also impact Tinubu’s choice.
2031 Presidential Ambitions: The contest for Tinubu’s running mate is closely tied to the larger contest over who will succeed him as President in 2031, with prominent APC figures from the North positioning themselves.
What this means is that the choice of running mate will depend on Tinubu’s strategic priorities and the political landscape at the time of the 2027 election.
